When was the last time season ticket sales were this low?

[BoilerBonz]

When was the last time we sold only 14k season tickets? The early 1950s? Heads should roll over the mismanagement of this once proud football program at the hands of a totally incompetent Athletic Department and BOT!

Attendance dropped in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2014, an announced average of 35,269 fans attending the seven home games. That's 13,000 fewer than the attendance average in 2013.

As of July 31, Purdue had sold 14,314 public season tickets and 4,652 student tickets, per Tom Schott.

 

[tigerchump]

When was the last time we sold only 14k season tickets? The early 1950s? Heads should roll over the mismanagement of this once proud football program at the hands of a totally incompetent Athletic Department and BOT!

Attendance dropped in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2014, an announced average of 35,269 fans attending the seven home games. That's 13,000 fewer than the attendance average in 2013.

As of July 31, Purdue had sold 14,314 public season tickets and 4,652 student tickets, per Tom Schott.

I agree with you that these numbers are awful.I don't know what will improve them besides winning consistently.

 

[DG10]

When was the last time we sold only 14k season tickets? The early 1950s? Heads should roll over the mismanagement of this once proud football program at the hands of a totally incompetent Athletic Department and BOT!

Attendance dropped in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2014, an announced average of 35,269 fans attending the seven home games. That's 13,000 fewer than the attendance average in 2013.

As of July 31, Purdue had sold 14,314 public season tickets and 4,652 student tickets, per Tom Schott.

The next seat reallocation should be fairly easy at least...and adding the second deck on the east side of the field will just be a case of adding additional empty seats, so it will be purely aesthetic.

Speaking of, the price hike implemented before last season had a discernible impact, and it has carried over to this year (compounded by the product on the field).

Once-proud is debatable, but what is not debatable is the gross mismanagement for some time under the direction of Burke.

 

[uncleboiler]

In "coach" hazell’s first two seasons, NO Big Ten home game wins and NO wins after the first Saturday in October....it's hard to believe 14,314 think going to hazell's "crap show" is worth the price of a ticket.

 

[Hatter22]

In "coach" hazell’s first two seasons, NO Big Ten home game wins and NO wins after the first Saturday in October....it's hard to believe 14,314 think going to hazell's "crap show" is worth the price of a ticket.

The 4,500 students bought tickets because they were less than the cost of one text book. If they can pay $200 for a book they might never read, why not pay $100 for a ticket you might not use? The rest of the folks are probably attending to see the band, the golden girl, and the big drum. I'm assuming the band is still planning to come to the games this year.

 

[SIBoiler2]

The 4,500 students bought tickets because they were less than the cost of one text book. If they can pay $200 for a book they might never read, why not pay $100 for a ticket you might not use? The rest of the folks are probably attending to see the band, the golden girl, and the big drum. I'm assuming the band is still planning to come to the games this year.

Another year like the last two and the band will have receive a stipend to show up.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

In "coach" hazell’s first two seasons, NO Big Ten home game wins and NO wins after the first Saturday in October....it's hard to believe 14,314 think going to hazell's "crap show" is worth the price of a ticket.

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

 

[Redhotfill]

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

That's true, but also at some point you just need to say it is, what it is, please fix it.

 

[Hatter22]

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

I am actually one of those fans. I still support the football team. The difference for me is the level of support. Prior to this season my support included 4 season tickets, a parking pass, a $400 legacy fee, 7 round trips from Fort Wayne to Lafayette, and a JPC membership. Now my support is pretty much a JPC membership and not much else. No way can I justify the old level of support to myself and, more importantly, my family, given the steep decline of the team's performance and the lack of excitement in the stadium. Until it is fun for us again, that's all I'm good for.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

I am actually one of those fans. I still support the football team. The difference for me is the level of support. Prior to this season my support included 4 season tickets, a parking pass, a $400 legacy fee, 7 round trips from Fort Wayne to Lafayette, and a JPC membership. Now my support is pretty much a JPC membership and not much else. No way can I justify the old level of support to myself and, more importantly, my family, given the steep decline of the team's performance and the lack of excitement in the stadium. Until it is fun for us again, that's all I'm good for.

That's fair. I'm an ex season ticket holder too (my last three career moves have taken me around 800+ miles away each time). I make it to 1-2 games a year tops. I just have very little patience for so many of our fair weather fans who won't support the team unless we are winning 8+ games a year. I think there's a huge difference in the "enjoyment" factor if a team wins at least 6 games or so compared to the last few years. But unfortunately our attendance probably won't rebound until we are back to 8 wins a year. At least back to a point we all want to see it.

 

[BoilerBonz]

What makes you think this football "program" will ever be able to win 8 games in a season, again? No one else in the B1G is satisfied just showing up and taking the BTN $. Even IU invested more in football over the last decade than Purdue! The past actions of Cordova, the BOT, and MB have taken this program down to IU's level, or worse, and when was the last time IU football won 8 games? 1993.

 

[Hatter22]

I can personally guarantee that we will win 8+ games again!!!!

I know, that's easy to say since I cannot be wrong untiI am no longer living and I probably won't care much about being wrong once my life is over. It would hurt, though, just before I pass on, to realize that from 2008 until my last day on Earth that they never fielded a decent team again. Then again, at that point there will be so many unfilled dreams and things left undone in my life to reflect upon that this will probably not make my top 10 list of regrets, unless I get really busy pretty soon.

As a little-leaguer, I was a horrible hitter. I struck out too many times to count. I tried everything - extra practice, pouting, crying, getting mad, taking my glasses off, using different bats, swinging hard, swinging easy, but nothing really worked. Still, I never stopped swinging and I did get a few hits here and there. When I got a hit, I would think "ok, I got it now" but, alas, the next 6 or 7 at-bats would prove otherwise. Only thing I learned was that even a lousy hitter, every now and then, will hit the ball if he keeps swinging just by dumb luck. Same with our football team - most of our success since Young left was due to (1) Burke failing to hire Bob Davie and having to settle for Tiller, and (2) Drew Brees getting injured during high school and having to settle for Purdue. Some day something like that will happen again.

I hope I am around to see it.

 

[Summy1]

I think the part that gets me is only 4,000 student season tickets sold. They are selling at a great price. It's kinda like going to a baseball game. You go to socialize with your friends and partly watch the game. Not sure why more students wouldn't be interested in this? Until we start winning some games, then we will start seeing more tickets sold.

 

[pu1985]

Agreed - after nearly 20 years as a JPC and season ticket holder (and 45 as a PU fan) enough is enough. And you would have thought perhaps I would receive an email, phone call, whatever after I dropped ? Nope not a peep.
I believe that about says it all from this athletic administration.

 

[pu1985]

When was the last time we sold only 14k season tickets? The early 1950s? Heads should roll over the mismanagement of this once proud football program at the hands of a totally incompetent Athletic Department and BOT!

Attendance dropped in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2014, an announced average of 35,269 fans attending the seven home games. That's 13,000 fewer than the attendance average in 2013.

As of July 31, Purdue had sold 14,314 public season tickets and 4,652 student tickets, per Tom Schott.

Must be that crack marketing campaign. I have lived in Indy for 25+ years- there is zero (zero!) marketing done here for PU sports - no print, no tv, no radio , no billboards. Nada.

 

[Summy1]

Must be that crack marketing campaign. I have lived in Indy for 25+ years- there is zero (zero!) marketing done here for PU sports - no print, no tv, no radio , no billboards. Nada.

I live in Indy too. Aren't you tired of seeing those IU football ads all the time? Yes, some Purdue marketing needs to be done.

 

[SIBoiler2]

I can personally guarantee that we will win 8+ games again!!!!

I know, that's easy to say since I cannot be wrong untiI am no longer living and I probably won't care much about being wrong once my life is over. It would hurt, though, just before I pass on, to realize that from 2008 until my last day on Earth that they never fielded a decent team again. Then again, at that point there will be so many unfilled dreams and things left undone in my life to reflect upon that this will probably not make my top 10 list of regrets, unless I get really busy pretty soon.

As a little-leaguer, I was a horrible hitter. I struck out too many times to count. I tried everything - extra practice, pouting, crying, getting mad, taking my glasses off, using different bats, swinging hard, swinging easy, but nothing really worked. Still, I never stopped swinging and I did get a few hits here and there. When I got a hit, I would think "ok, I got it now" but, alas, the next 6 or 7 at-bats would prove otherwise. Only thing I learned was that even a lousy hitter, every now and then, will hit the ball if he keeps swinging just by dumb luck. Same with our football team - most of our success since Young left was due to (1) Burke failing to hire Bob Davie and having to settle for Tiller, and (2) Drew Brees getting injured during high school and having to settle for Purdue. Some day something like that will happen again.

I hope I am around to see it.

Most of us are not willing to accept those 8+ wins over a 3-5 year period. I'm not holding my breath on ever seeing 8+ in a single season again for some time/ever if things don't start to trend upward dramatically in the near future.

 

[BoilerBonz]

I can personally guarantee that we will win 8+ games again!!!!

I know, that's easy to say since I cannot be wrong untiI am no longer living and I probably won't care much about being wrong once my life is over. It would hurt, though, just before I pass on, to realize that from 2008 until my last day on Earth that they never fielded a decent team again. Then again, at that point there will be so many unfilled dreams and things left undone in my life to reflect upon that this will probably not make my top 10 list of regrets, unless I get really busy pretty soon.

As a little-leaguer, I was a horrible hitter. I struck out too many times to count. I tried everything - extra practice, pouting, crying, getting mad, taking my glasses off, using different bats, swinging hard, swinging easy, but nothing really worked. Still, I never stopped swinging and I did get a few hits here and there. When I got a hit, I would think "ok, I got it now" but, alas, the next 6 or 7 at-bats would prove otherwise. Only thing I learned was that even a lousy hitter, every now and then, will hit the ball if he keeps swinging just by dumb luck. Same with our football team - most of our success since Young left was due to (1) Burke failing to hire Bob Davie and having to settle for Tiller, and (2) Drew Brees getting injured during high school and having to settle for Purdue. Some day something like that will happen again.

I hope I am around to see it.

This sounds like the old "even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn" theory -- problem is, in college football, there are fewer acorns (i.e., 8+ win seasons) than squirrels (i.e., teams) and most of the squirrels aren't blind, and unlike Purdue, those that are blind didn't get that way as a result of self-inflicted wounds.

The sad part is that Purdue once had a sizable and loyal fan base, but that fan base has dwindled into apathy as a result of the losing that results from milking the football program's revenues to support other initiatives, like softball stadiums and student centers, rather than supporting football at a sustainable level. And now that they've killed the goose, they can't generate the cash to revive it short of a miracle, like the blind squirrel finding an acorn.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

This sounds like the old "even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn" theory -- problem is, in college football, there are fewer acorns (i.e., 8+ win seasons) than squirrels (i.e., teams) and most of the squirrels aren't blind, and unlike Purdue, those that are blind didn't get that way as a result of self-inflicted wounds.

The sad part is that Purdue once had a sizable and loyal fan base, but that fan base has dwindled into apathy as a result of the losing that results from milking the football program's revenues to support other initiatives, like softball stadiums and student centers, rather than supporting football at a sustainable level. And now that they've killed the goose, they can't generate the cash to revive it short of a miracle, like the blind squirrel finding an acorn.

The bright side is, I got four 45 yard line seats, 20 rows up, for the Nebraska game. TheCornhusker fans I'm going with couldn't believe those tickets were available for $78.

 

[West James]

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

Then when the team constantly lays an egg, they shouldn't be booing? 14,314 sadomasochists. These are the same loyal fans who couldn't find any paint to watch dry, nor grass to watch grow. 14,314 loyal fans, I didn't know the Hazell family was so large. They'll be pulling their hair out by halftime of game #3, & by the time the 2nd B1G game rolls around, Burke's, Daniels' & Hazell's hair. I hope I'm wrong, but this looks like a slow motion train wreck, & the conductor knows it as well. Hazell is just in over his head. It would take a miracle/3 B1G wins to warrant him possibly keeping his job after this season. Hope he get's them, but wouldn't bet a plug nickle on his chances. Even the loyal suudents will turn on him, if he goes winless in preseason. Can't say I blame them.

I've heard someone say Coach Hazel lacks discipline with his team. If this is the case, he can't turn around somthing like that overnight, & this team will suffer for/from it. The AD/Burke should have told Coach Hazell after the last game of last season, "If you don't win at least 3 B1G games next season, you're gone, after our last game next season." I definitely think Hope could/would have had twice the conference wins as Hazel at this point. Hope may not have been a/our savior, but he was definitely better than Hazell.

 

[West James]

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

Then when the team constantly lays an egg, they shouldn't be booing? 14,314 sadomasochists. These are the same loyal fans who couldn't find any paint to watch dry, nor grass to watch grow. 14,314 loyal fans, I didn't know the Hazell family was so large. They'll be pulling their hair out by halftime of game #3, & by the time the 2nd B1G game rolls around, Burke's, Daniels' & Hazell's hair. I hope I'm wrong, but this looks like a slow motion train wreck, & the conductor knows it as well. Hazell is just in over his head. It would take a miracle/3 B1G wins to warrant him possibly keeping his job after this season. Hope he get's them, but wouldn't bet a plug nickle on his chances. Even the loyal suudents will turn on him, if he goes winless in preseason. Can't say I blame them.

I've heard someone say Coach Hazel lacks discipline with his team. If this is the case, he can't turn around somthing like that overnight, & this team will suffer for/from it. The AD/Burke should have told Coach Hazell after the last game of last season, "If you don't win at least 3 B1G games next season, you're gone, after our last game next season." I definitely think Hope could/would have had twice the conference wins as Hazel at this point. Hope may not have been a/our savior, but he was definitely better than Hazell.

 

[West James]

I know it's a foreign concept to many on this board, but we actually have some fans who out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past, they actually believe in supporting our teams regardless of on the field performance.

Then when the team constantly lays an egg, they shouldn't be booing? 14,314 sadomasochists. These are the same loyal fans who couldn't find any paint to watch dry, nor grass to watch grow. 14,314 loyal fans, I didn't know the Hazell family was so large. They'll be pulling their hair out by halftime of game #3, & by the time the 2nd B1G game rolls around, Burke's, Daniels' & Hazell's hair. I hope I'm wrong, but this looks like a slow motion train wreck, & the conductor knows it as well. Hazell is just in over his head. It would take a miracle/3 B1G wins to warrant him possibly keeping his job after this season. Hope he get's them, but wouldn't bet a plug nickle on his chances. Even the loyal suudents will turn on him, if he goes winless in preseason. Can't say I blame them.

I've heard someone say Coach Hazel lacks discipline with his team. If this is the case, he can't turn around somthing like that overnight, & this team will suffer for/from it. The AD/Burke should have told Coach Hazell after the last game of last season, "If you don't win at least 3 B1G games next season, you're gone, after our last game next season." I definitely think Hope could/would have had twice the conference wins as Hazel at this point. Hope may not have been a/our savior, but he was definitely better than Hazell.

Where is Hope now? What's his record?

 

[SIBoiler2]

"Out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past"??? Don't know about anybody else but I paid to go to the university and they provided instructors and facilities where that could happen. What I took away from there was paid for in full by me. What I made of it later wasn't a "gift" from Purdue. I don't owe Purdue a thing anymore than they owe me anything. If they can't provide a quality FB product I'm not obligated to support it with my $$. Only a fool would do so much as the government continues to throw away good money on bad products. Only difference is they can take my $$ to pay for their nonsense. Purdue can't. They have to EARN it.

 

[threeeputtt]

I am actually one of those fans. I still support the football team. The difference for me is the level of support. Prior to this season my support included 4 season tickets, a parking pass, a $400 legacy fee, 7 round trips from Fort Wayne to Lafayette, and a JPC membership. Now my support is pretty much a JPC membership and not much else. No way can I justify the old level of support to myself and, more importantly, my family, given the steep decline of the team's performance and the lack of excitement in the stadium. Until it is fun for us again, that's all I'm good for.

Been a JPC almost 40 years. Living 1100 miles away 35 of those and still owned season tics 20 of those coming back 2 games or more until home with Wisconsin 3 years ago. The team quit in the rain and since they have not even been competitive. Sorry, I will be back when that happens.

 

[BoilerBonz]

BTW, last time we had a 8-win season, our fans were absolutely POed about it. Tiller was right about the need to manage expectations. But, of course, most of our D.A. fans took that as Tiller just trying to make his own job easier. Actually, his point was, you can't win big regularly in the B1G without support from the top, as in AD, Prez and BOT. And Tiller got almost none relative to that being provided at what should have been, could have been, peer-level programs, like MSU, Iowa, and Wisky. Most of the fans did their part until it became clear to so many that the leadership at Purdue had no interest whatsoever in doing what's necessary, within the rules, to compete in the B1G.

Maybe this has changed now? The temporary relief from the $2M in additional taxes Cordova lumped on the AD is a good sign. But Purdue's current leadership needs to understand that once alienated, for good reason, the fans aren't going to come back just because the BOT stops screwing the Athletic Dept., or because MB starts talking a better game wrt supporting football. It's "show me" first now, and that's going to result in a tremendous shortfall in what our football revenue should be, for a very long time, all because of some very foolishly short-sighted decisions years back. I'm sure Tiller isn't happy about the state of the program, but he's got to be muttering under his breath, "I told you so."

 

[uncleboiler]

8 wins?...let's face it, we've won 8 or more games in a season 16-17 times in the the last 100 years. Historically, we're a 4-6 win regular season team, with an occasional bowl win to get to 7 wins. This is who we are. However, "coach" hazell has us on track to be a consistent 2-5 win team. A 6 win team, with a bowl win, is a fantasy with this staff.

 

[BoilerBonz]

8 wins?...let's face it, we've won 8 or more games in a season 16-17 times in the the last 100 years. Historically, we're a 4-6 win regular season team, with an occasional bowl win to get to 7 wins. This is who we are. However, "coach" hazell has us on track to be a consistent 2-5 win team. A 6 win team, with a bowl win, is a fantasy with this staff.

What you're saying is, we are IU. Thank you Morgan, Frances, and the BOT.

 

[BBG]

What you're saying is, we are IU. Thank you Morgan, Frances, and the BOT.

No, I think IU will win more games. And that really is hard for me to say because it wouldn't take a lot for us to be a consistent bowl bound team IMO.

 

[pboiler18]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

All will be known about this team in a few weeks. Why can't you let it play out instead of shitting all over it before things happen?

Yes, the program was horribly mismanaged from the top for many years. While I feel like the rebuild should be done under a new AD, it's clear that won't be happening. So, sit back and watch the rebuild. It's hard for me to write off this staff completely, without giving them time. That time is up if there's no improvement after this year.

What's hilarious is that while we could have been a few wins better over the past 2 years, with most coaches the results would have been pretty similar (no bowls, few NFL draftees) and there is no consideration from that.

I am open to seeing this staff have success while others actively root against it because of a few bad years.

 

[pboiler18]

Those bad years will be forgotten if we can get to 7 wins and a decent bowl (and compete) in the next 2 years.

 

[SIBoiler2]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

All will be known about this team in a few weeks. Why can't you let it play out instead of shitting all over it before things happen?

Yes, the program was horribly mismanaged from the top for many years. While I feel like the rebuild should be done under a new AD, it's clear that won't be happening. So, sit back and watch the rebuild. It's hard for me to write off this staff completely, without giving them time. That time is up if there's no improvement after this year.

What's hilarious is that while we could have been a few wins better over the past 2 years, with most coaches the results would have been pretty similar (no bowls, few NFL draftees) and there is no consideration from that.

I am open to seeing this staff have success while others actively root against it because of a few bad years.

Clearly you have a lot more invested in our FB program than the rest of us to even mention the words mass suicide in connection with this lukewarm pile of crap that you are so rah rah about. It's not worth wasting a day let alone a life over. All the talk of bowls, stadium expansion, and winning seasons is just so much talk until you put it on the field. If this team is over .500 this year I'll be back in Dec to admit they were better than anticipated. If they are not will you come back in Dec and admit you were a delusional cheerleader???

 

[BoilerBonz]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

All will be known about this team in a few weeks. Why can't you let it play out instead of shitting all over it before things happen?

Yes, the program was horribly mismanaged from the top for many years. While I feel like the rebuild should be done under a new AD, it's clear that won't be happening. So, sit back and watch the rebuild. It's hard for me to write off this staff completely, without giving them time. That time is up if there's no improvement after this year.

What's hilarious is that while we could have been a few wins better over the past 2 years, with most coaches the results would have been pretty similar (no bowls, few NFL draftees) and there is no consideration from that.

I am open to seeing this staff have success while others actively root against it because of a few bad years.

I didn't say a word against Hazell or his staff, and I'm still hopeful for this season. My interest is in understanding how we got here, because that's critical to understanding what is needed to get us back to where we should be. In this regard, Purdue fans need to stop blaming coaches and start looking to the source of the problem, the AD, the BOT, and former Prezs. (I'll give the current Prez a pass for now.) Without support for the football program from the top, it's not going to get a lot better in a sustainable sense. And this is what Purdue fans/alums need to recognize and address. Btw, by "support," I don't mean subsidize -- I mean that the investments in salaries and facilities necessary to be competitive need to be made, rather than milk the program to support about everything else, which is what happened prior to Hazell.

 

[nat100]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

This is where your arguments have devolved to? Say it aint so.

 

[Wheels Of Steel]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

All will be known about this team in a few weeks. Why can't you let it play out instead of shitting all over it before things happen?

Yes, the program was horribly mismanaged from the top for many years. While I feel like the rebuild should be done under a new AD, it's clear that won't be happening. So, sit back and watch the rebuild. It's hard for me to write off this staff completely, without giving them time. That time is up if there's no improvement after this year.

What's hilarious is that while we could have been a few wins better over the past 2 years, with most coaches the results would have been pretty similar (no bowls, few NFL draftees) and there is no consideration from that.

I am open to seeing this staff have success while others actively root against it because of a few bad years.

 

[Wheels Of Steel]

So the real question is, when are all of you negative Nancies planning your mass suicide?

All will be known about this team in a few weeks. Why can't you let it play out instead of shitting all over it before things happen?

Yes, the program was horribly mismanaged from the top for many years. While I feel like the rebuild should be done under a new AD, it's clear that won't be happening. So, sit back and watch the rebuild. It's hard for me to write off this staff completely, without giving them time. That time is up if there's no improvement after this year.

What's hilarious is that while we could have been a few wins better over the past 2 years, with most coaches the results would have been pretty similar (no bowls, few NFL draftees) and there is no consideration from that.

I am open to seeing this staff have success while others actively root against it because of a few bad years.

pboiler18 (and other posters) there is one sentence in your message that I would quibble with: "So, sit back and watch the rebuild." Rather than "sit back and watch," I would rather "pitch in and help." Don't sit on the sidelines and pout until SOMEONE ELSE makes things better - be a part of making things better! As a Purdue alum and 30-year faculty member, I see these young men and women on our athletic teams (including our football players) every day. In light of the efforts they make, how could I not do the same? I am happy to reach deep with my money and my time (both in the classroom and at the games).

 

[pboiler18]

I'm not the one ready to jump off a bridge. I'm also not wholesale writing off this team and program before they play a single game like say....oh...everybody else in this thread.

Yes, if we suck I'll say we suck.

If we are good, I'll love it because all the doom and gloom idiots will disappear.

Again, I'm the one who's good with Purdue football win or lose. I'm not here pouting about the bad days like you guys.

 

[BoilerBonz]

I'm also not wholesale writing off this team and program before they play a single game like say....oh...everybody else in this thread.

I'm not here pouting about the bad days like you guys.

Your reading comprehension is quite low, isn't it. And discussing why we're in this mess -- so it doesn't happen again -- isn't pouting. Apparently you're completely satisfied with whatever Morgan and the BOT choose to do with this football program and convinced you can't do a thing about it.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

"Out of love for the university that has provided so much to them in the past"??? Don't know about anybody else but I paid to go to the university and they provided instructors and facilities where that could happen. What I took away from there was paid for in full by me. What I made of it later wasn't a "gift" from Purdue. I don't owe Purdue a thing anymore than they owe me anything. If they can't provide a quality FB product I'm not obligated to support it with my $$. Only a fool would do so much as the government continues to throw away good money on bad products. Only difference is they can take my $$ to pay for their nonsense. Purdue can't. They have to EARN it.

You may not feel obligated to support. Others still do. I personally consider those people to be a better fan than most. They're certainly better than me. And I wish we had more of them.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

Been a JPC almost 40 years. Living 1100 miles away 35 of those and still owned season tics 20 of those coming back 2 games or more until home with Wisconsin 3 years ago. The team quit in the rain and since they have not even been competitive. Sorry, I will be back when that happens.

So I assume you don't even watch the games on TV anymore? Because they were competitive for a decent stretch last year. Every fan must decide on their own how much they wish to support. I fully expect us to be competitive this year.

 

[SDBoiler1]

The Hazell legacy so far has been far from satisfying. 4 wins in 24 games. 1 BIG victory, and wins over Indiana State in 2013, another FBS school in 2014, and Western Michigan.

That said, Hazell has built, at least on paper, one of the most impressive coaching staffs in Purdue history. Yet this staff, as a group, has delivered two of the worst back-to-back seasons in program history. Personally, I think a good deal of the blame for this falls at the feet of the OC. A program like Purdue cannot average 282 and 344 ypg in back-to-back seasons and expect to win many ballgames. College football has become more offensive over time, not less. Our offenses have been so anemic that our defenses have totally worn down as games and seasons have gone along. In 2013, we gave up 38 ppg and last season it was 31 ppg. It is no coincidence that as our offense improved, our defense seemed to improve, as well.

The problem I have with Hazell is that he seems to be incredibly stubborn and doesn't make changes until he's backed into a corner and really has no other options. My fear is that he will "ride with what he's got", stumble out-of the-gate again, and then be forced to make changes at QB AND on his staff. (Basically, if he doesn't, he may be asked to leave.) Perhaps he can plug Terry Malone in as OC, for instance. Once again, he will have a late epiphany that Appleby is not the guy, and Blough will get thrust into a nearly impossible jam.

I truly hope I'm wrong. I'd love for Purdue to turn the corner this season, start beating teams that we're supposed to and a few we're not. I'd love to see the fans come back to Ross-Ade Stadium in droves and for the fanbase to be re-energized. Sadly, I just don't see this HC as being capable of doing this. If history is any indication, Purdue will win 4 or 5 games, and piss away a couple of golden opportunities for big, important wins. Next season, there will once again be a QB controversy going into fall camp.